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Executive Director's Letter
"The importance of a downtown to economic development cannot be overstated, particularly in attracting knowledge-based businesses and professionals to the community." This succinct statement appears on Page 21 of Norwich's Economic Development Strategic Plan. The entire plan appears on the City website under the Government tab.
Revisiting this document and its vision for a successful economic revival based on strategic thinking and corresponding action offers a welcome counterpoint to the perception of Norwich in an indefinite state of reductions and contractions. The imagery of economic development based on cultivating knowledge-based businesses and professionals is particularly evocative for Otis Library. R. David Lankes, Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina, posits that the mission of librarians is to improve society through facilitating knowledge creation in their community. This statement encapsulates one of the essential contributions that Otis Library makes to Norwich. Whether it is working with Norwich Free Academy's ACES program to offer technology classes to students, hosting community conversations and book discussions, or sponsoring unique exhibits and ancillary programs, Otis Library offers the public myriad ways in which to engage in learning activities.
Similarly, in pursuing a successful economic resuscitation, a key element is inclusiveness. In a recent Urban Institute report, a central theme among those municipalities that successfully recovered from the Great Recession was their emphasis on racial and ethnic inclusion in plans for economic development. Initiatives included bringing immigrant groups to the table and empowering local community organizations by soliciting their support as community partners. This approach appeared to promote a better economic future not just for the groups that had been historically disadvantaged, but also for everyone in the city. Otis Library is nationally recognized for its leadership in conducting both on site and outreach programs that emphasize inclusiveness and position Norwich as a welcoming destination for New Americans. Otis Library is an integral part of Norwich's economic renascence. Incorporating the Library's expertise with the resources and experience of the business community and municipal government ensures innumerable positive results for the City and its residents.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Please Note:
The Library will be closed on Monday, February 18, in observance of Presidents' Day.
Staff training will take place the morning of Thursday, February 28. The Library will open to the public at 12pm.
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February is the Month of Love
We love our patrons, community members, local businesses, Rows City Knitters, and Friends!
Thank you for attending our programs, taking advantage of our services, sharing your ideas with us, giving us challenges, making us laugh, and supporting us in all we do! We love being part of your lives!
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The Friends are accepting donations of gently used books for their next book sale. Please drop off your books, two bags at a time, to the Front Desk. For larger donations, please call ahead to (860) 889-2365. Please, no encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines or VHS tapes. Thank you for your support!
Mark your calendars! The dates for the Friends of Otis Library Book Sale are as follows:
Early Bird Preview $10: Friday, April 26, 9 - 10am
Free General Admission:
Friday, April 26, 10am - 3pm
Saturday, April 27, 10am - 3pm
Sunday, April 28, 12 - 3pm
Something New!
Manners Matter! A Friends of Otis Library Fundraiser (for ages 8-11)
April 6, 1 - 2:30pm, Community Room
Fee: $20 per child ($15 for Friends of Otis Library members)
Join us for a fun afternoon learning tips on basic table manners. The Norwich Free Academy Culinary Department will teach us how to set a table, use each utensil, the rules of electronics at the meal time table, and much more. Assorted sandwiches, desserts, and beverages will be served. A game and take-home craft are included in the program. Registration is required; space is limited. Registration begins on March 4. Call 860-889-2365, ext. 114.
Interested in becoming a Friend? Learn more about the Friends of Otis Library here.
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Conversion Station at Otis Library!
The Library now offers a Conversion Station for capturing videos from old VHS tapes and transferring them to DVD or saving them to a USB drive. Users must bring their own burnable DVDs or purchase them from the Library for $1. For more information or to reserve the station, please call (860) 889-2365 ext.110.
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes at Otis Library
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm & Fridays, 10am - 1pm
Feeling a little lost with all the new technology? Maybe even some of the old technology? We are ready to assist you with one-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs. Topics include basic computer skills, navigating the internet, e-mail, e-readers, and Microsoft Office. Assistance will be provided by appointment only. Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information or to make an appointment.
Technology Classes are offered in Spanish by appointment only. Please call Bassem at (860) 889-2365, ext. 109 or 110 to register.
Para reservar una cita, apersonese a la biblioteca o llame a Bassem
860-889-2365, ext. 109 o 110.
Technology Classes at Rose City Senior Center
Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm
Otis Library provides computer/technology instruction to seniors at the Rose City Senior Center.
Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information.
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm, in the Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Drop-In Knitting Group
Fridays, 10am - 11:15am, Meeting Room
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday. All skill levels welcome! For more
information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Members of the Rows City Knitters would like to thank
Driftwood Yarns
of Groton for their continued support!
An Introduction to Yoga for Teens and Adults
Mondays, February 4, 11, & 25, 6pm - 7:15pm,
Community Room
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in February (except 2/18) in the Community Room. These free classes will be presented by instructors from 'A Peace of Space' Yoga and Wellness Center. Wear comfortable clothing; yoga mats will be available to borrow. No registration required.
Delicious Discussions Author Series
Tuesday, February 12, 12 - 1:30pm,
Michael Jordan's Steak House
This series is generously sponsored by Guinan & Houle, LLP
Attorneys at Law
Otis Library and Bank Square Books present a Delicious Discussions
author luncheon with author Megan Collins in celebration of her new book
The Winter Sisters
. Tickets for this event are $45 and include an author talk and signing, a copy of the book and a buffet lunch at Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
This event requires pre-registration. To register, call Julie at 860-889-2365 x128, or
register online. Delicious Discussions Author Series is a partnership between Otis Library, Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
Wednesday, February 13, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Business Center
Are you looking to start your own business but don't know where to begin? Do you need help writing a business plan? What if you own a business but need advice on marketing? Jill Fritzsche, Community Manager at Norwich Community Development Corporation, will be in the Business Center at Otis Library the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30am - 12:30pm to answer your questions. Drop in; no appointment necessary. This is a free program. For more information, call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
Wednesday, February 13, 5pm,
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat by Patricia Williams. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Tuesday, February 19, 1-2:30pm,
Meeting Room
The club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to learn and to brain
storm
about family history projects. Please bring with you any basic information you have about the family members for whom you are looking. This club will be useful for beginners as well as experienced researchers. For more information, please call Kathleen Wieland, Genealogy Librarian, at 860-889-2365, ext. 108.
Head Wrapping Art for Teens and Adults
Wednesday, February 20, 5:30 - 7:45pm
Learn about this beautiful art from Africa and wear your style home. Presented by artist LaShawn Cunningham.
Registration required. Program will take place in the Young Adult Department.
Classics Book Club
Saturday, February 23, 10 - 11:30am
We will read a variety of classic works, from the ancient to modern, and meet four times a year in various locations around the City. February's discussion is on Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. Meet us at
Caddy Shack Cafe
,
685 New London Turnpike, Norwich. To register, call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is required for some programs. Please register in person at the Front Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 100; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar.
Drop-In Chess
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm, Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Head Wrapping Art for Teens
Saturday, February 16, 12 - 2:45pm
Learn about this beautiful art from Africa and wear your style home. Presented by artist LaShawn Cunningham.
Registration required. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
Head Wrapping Art for Teens and Adults
Wednesday, February 20, 5:30 - 7:45pm
Learn about this beautiful art from Africa and wear your style home. Presented by artist LaShawn Cunningham.
Registration required. Program will take place in the Young Adult Department.
An Introduction to Yoga for Teens and Adults
Mondays, February 4, 11, & 25, 6pm - 7:15pm,
Community Room
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in February (except 2/18) in the Community Room. These free classes will be presented by instructors from 'A Peace of Space' Yoga and Wellness Center. Wear comfortable clothing; yoga mats will be available to borrow. No registration required.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, February 25, 6 - 7pm
Newsprints by Ru Xu will be the featured book this month. Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served. Registration required. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk. Program will take place in the Story Room.
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Children's Programs
All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is
required for some programs. Please register in person at the Child
ren's Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 114; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar
.
Monthly Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months
)
Saturday, February 2, 10:30am (program);
11 - 11:30am (playgroup)
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young; then stay (or not) for a half-hour open playgroup. This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy this weekend program! Older siblings are welcome to attend.
T
ake Your Child To The Library Day Show:
Mr. Magic! (all ages)
Saturday, February 2, 1:30 - 2:30pm
We're celebrating "Take Your Child To The Library Day" with this amazing family magic show! Rich Rothstein makes magic easy and fun for the whole family! Please join us; no registration required. For all ages.
Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months)
Mondays, February 4, 11, & 25, 10:30am (program); 11am - 12pm (playgroup)
Enjoy 30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and other activities for the very young, then stay (or not) for a one-hour open play group. Older siblings are welcome! No registration required.
Time for Twos (ages 2)
Tuesdays, February 5 & 12, 10:30 - 11am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a simple craft with your child! This program is age appropriate for your active two-year-old!
Registration required.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Thursdays, February 7 & 21, 10:30-11am (no session February 14)
Children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes while their grownups wait in the Children's Department. Caregivers are encouraged to join the fun during craft time at the end of the class!
Registration required.
Drop-In Valentine's Day Craft (all ages)
Saturday, February 9, 11am - 1pm
Enjoy making a cool stand-up Valentine to keep or give away! No registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Children's Department. No registration required.
Kids Imagine Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, February 11, 6 - 7pm
Come discuss
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman. Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served.
Registration required. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, February 16, 12 - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella. No registration required.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Saturday, February 23, 10:30am - 12pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Room. No registration required.
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Hours
Monday & Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
Closed on Saturdays in July & August
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